Holiday preview calendar 2015

Combining archival footage with animated sequences, the film uses a groundbreaking technique to tell the story of Jan Karski, a hero of the Polish Underground State. He was the first person to reveal to the Western Allied governments the atrocities and mass murders committed by the Nazis in occupied Poland. Karski was sent undercover to the Warsaw Ghetto to investigate the situation of the Jews; he sought to reveal the tragedy of the Jewish people to the world. Animation by Slawomir Grünberg, documentary filmmaker and Emmy winner. Times vary. $8-$12. Through Nov. 19. Laemmle’s Playhouse 7, 673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (310) 478-3836. SAT | NOV 14

NEIL GAIMAN

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SUN | NOV 15

“PAST & PRESENT: RUSSIAN JEWISH AMERICAN STORIES”

Los Angeles has a huge community of Russian Jews, and this show incorporates anecdotes, songs, poetry and even stand-up comedy to relate their experiences. You will hear stories of leaving one land for another, settling in a new country, finding love, raising children, facing hardship and learning what it means to be a Jew out from under communism. Moving, humorous and eye-opening, it gives the audience an inside look at our Russian-Jewish neighbors and the life they lived in the former Soviet Union and are living today in America. The show is a collaboration among Jewish Women’s Theatre, The Braid and RuJuLA in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Genesis Philanthropy Group and The Jewish Agency of Israel. 2 p.m. $35. National Council of Jewish Women, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 315-1400. Also playing 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at The Braid, 2912 Colorado Ave., #102, Santa Monica. (323) 651-2930. SAT | NOV 21

Calling all 20- and 30-somethings: Join The Jewish Federation’s Young Adults of Los Angeles for a night celebrating revolutionaries in their industries. There will be great food, drinks, entertainment, music and friends to ensure an evening you won’t forget. Comedian Ben Gleib, host of the game show “Idiotest,” will host and emcee the event. Others in attendance will include Sean Rad, Tinder CEO and founder; Susanne Daniels, YouTube head of original content; Ben Silverman, executive producer of “The Office”; Ben Winston, executive producer of the “The Late Late Show With James Corden”; John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky, co-creators of “Silicon Valley”; and many more. As a nod to #GivingTuesday, $50 of each ticket will go to support The Federation. 7 p.m. $75. The Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8000. THUR | DEC 3

“ABOVE AND BEYOND”

This film tells the story of a group of Jewish-American pilots who, in answering a call for help, smuggled planes out of the U.S. and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This was in 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps. It was a risky move but they changed the tide of the war, and also embarked on personal journeys of discovering and renewing their Jewish pride. “Above and Beyond” is the first major feature-length documentary about the foreign airmen in the 1948 war. Produced by Nancy Spielberg, the film brings together new interviews and stunning aerial footage to present a tale full of heart and heroism. 6 p.m. Free. RSVP requested. UCLA Humanities Building, Room A51, 415 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles. (310) 267-5327. TUES | DEC 8

“EAST JERUSALEM, WEST JERUSALEM”

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SAT | DEC 19

JEFF GOLDBLUM AND THE MILDRED SNITZER ORCHESTRA

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THUR | DEC 24

L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: SEASONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SPECTACULAR

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MATZOBALL

Ignore all that Yuletide sentiment — one of the biggest Jewish singles events in the nation is getting bigger than ever! Kicking off its 29th year, MatzoBall sets the stage for the ultimate party experience. Don’t miss out on what USA Today called “The Number 1 Holiday Party of the Year.” 9 p.m. $30. 21 and older. The Room Hollywood, 1626 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. (212) 389-9922.